These Savitar Clues From 'The Flash' Set Up A Heartbreaking Reveal

The magical thing about The Flash is how it manages to balance comic book fun with grounded characters and real evil. The tone of the show is never one-note — there are times of genuine humor and times of real conflict. In Season 3, most of the conflict and darkness has come from the big bad, Savitar. He's proven to be one of the most threatening characters that the series has ever seen, and is a powerful, daunting villain. But most of all, he is mysterious. There is much that we don't know about the "god of speed," but The Flash has dropped some Savitar clues that can provide insight to his true identity.

It is crucial that Team Flash figure out who Savitar is, because that's the first step to understanding how he can be stopped. And with Iris West's life on the line, the stakes have never been higher. Fortunately, Savitar has revealed things about himself over the course of the season, from obvious desires to more more subtle clues. Here all of the hints about Savitar that I've gleaned from The Flash Season 3 so far, and what they suggest about the big bad's true identity.

"I am the future, Flash."

In the March 7 episode "The Wrath Of Savitar," Savitar says "I am the future, Flash," three times. While it is assumed that there is a comma after the word "future," it could be a hint that Savitar is some future version of Barry Allen. Fans have speculated this for weeks, and every time Savitar repeats the phrase, their theories gain some fuel. Flashpoint is where the season began, and it's possible that it created an evil future Barry.

The Original Speedster

There are references to Savitar being the original speedster, as he calls himself the God of Speed. While there are many speedsters in the Flash universe now (Kid Flash, Jesse Quick), Barry was the first one in this world to get his powers. This could be another hint that Savitar is some version of Barry himself. Of course, why a future Barry would want to kill Iris is still an utter mystery.

Alchemy May Return To Help Savitar

While Julian Albert is now a funny, socially awkward member of the team, he is also a potential threat. Savitar has referenced that Albert's alter ego Alchemy will return and become his servant again. In the Nov. 22 episode, "Killer Frost," he said, "No, Julian. You can't get away. There's nowhere I won't find you. Only together can we bring about my return. Become my servant once more. Become Alchemy." Team Flash may want to keep a close eye on Julian if Savitar continues to gain power.

Savitar Knows A Lot About The Team

The biggest clue that Savitar is a current member of the team is just how much he knows about each team member. In the Dec. 6 episode, "The Present," Savitar states eerily, "I know you, Caitlin. Cisco, Joe, Wally. The fake Wells. I know your fears and I know your weaknesses. I know you better than you know yourselves. I know your destinies." This would definitely not be the first time a trusted member of the Flash crew turned out to be evil, so this knowledge may be less about omnipotence and more about personal history.

Savitar May Have Lost His Mind

Savitar has been trapped in the speed force for a very long time, and the March 14 episode, "Into The Speed Force,"showed that it is not a fun place to be. Savitar himself has admitted to "losing his mind many times over." So even if Savitar is a familiar face under that mask, it's that of someone who has endured torture and chaos for many years and may be completely different from the way Team Flash originally knew them.

Iris Is His Target

I know, I know. We all know that Savitar kills Iris in some version of the future, but the biggest clue toward figuring out who he is may be thinking about who could want Iris dead. While there is speculation that Savitar is a future version of Barry, why would future Barry kill Iris? I think Iris' ex Eddie Thawne could be behind the mask, but again, why would he want Iris dead after sacrificing himself to save their entire world? This glaring fact proves to be a roadblock for many theories.

Savitar Is Powerful, But Won't Kill The Flash... Yet

Savitar has shown himself to be extremely powerful and fast. Yet he doesn't kill the Flash, and is holding out to make Barry suffer. This suggests that the root of their conflict is extremely personal.